Quick Tips
- In this patchwork of private lands, know your shot angles
- Stay with it after opening day and many hunters will start to disappear
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 100"-120" | 130"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | Little-to-none | N/A |
On The Ground
Kitsap is a unique GMU that is entirely surrounded by water and includes Bainbridge Island, with the exception of a small piece of land at the Kellums Lake Isthmus on the southern point. A majority of this unit is private land with scattered reservation, naval base, county, state and city parcels. The largest continuous tracts of public are Green Mountain State Forest and state sections, however, they still have erratic borders interlaced with private land.
Good hunting can be found here but hunters will need to navigate difficult land boundaries and get crafty to escape the crowds.
Terrain
This large, rolling unit is surrounded by Hood Canal and Puget Sound. Although there are some open spaces, farms, and various state lands, much of this land has been significantly touched by the hand of man. However, there is still some excellent deer habitat, just in smaller portions. Hunt forested cover along clear cuts at first and last light as the deer hold tight to cover. There are miles of coastline which can present excellent access by boat, however, much of the coastline is private land. Along with the naval base, there is a bit of urban sprawl, especially in the protected inlets that are a short ferry ride from Seattle.
Roughly 711 square miles
4% public land
Elevations range from Sea Level – 1,600 feet
Vegetation
There are rolling timber forests that have been heavily clear-cut and replanted multiple times over the years, to tidal saltwater flats along the coastline. Non-native plants have a stronghold within this ecosystem and outnumber many of the native flora.
Access
Although there are some tracts of public land, key private ground with limited pressure will provide your best odds at a harvest.
Secure private land access early
Use your GPS to know your hunting boundaries
Camping and Lodging
There are very few public camping options here. Lodging, fuel, restaurants, and groceries can be found in Bremerton, Port Orchard, and Bainbridge Island.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
April 2025
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